Is paid leave available for both parents of infants?

This map tells us whether both mothers and fathers of infants are entitled to paid leave to support equal involvement in caregiving during infancy.

Map reflects a systematic review of laws in place as of April 2015 supplemented with detailed data on OECD countries as of September 2016 and other known policy changes that have occurred since then.

No, neither parent means that there is no paid leave available for parents of infants.

Fathers only means that only paid leave specifically designated for fathers of infants is available and there is no gender-neutral leave or maternity leave available. There are no countries that only provide paid leave for fathers.

Mothers only means that only paid leave specifically designated for mothers of infants is available and there is no gender-neutral leave or paternity leave available.

Both parents means that there is leave available for either parent to take, whether it is through maternity or paternity leave specifically for mothers and fathers, gender-neutral parental leave that can be used by either parent (including transferable maternity leave), or a combination of these types of leave.

When it is available, paternity leave is often significantly shorter in duration than leave for mothers. However, some countries offer bonuses in the form of parental leave length extensions or additional payments if a portion of the leave is used by both mothers and fathers to encourage fathers to take advantage of the available leave.